ANTI-INFLAMMATORY PROPERTIES OF CUPRINDO™ CONFIRMED IN PRE-CLINICAL TRIALS BY THE HEART RESEARCH INSTITTUE • Cuprindo™ was used in a “rabbit collar” model to investigate its ability to prevent acute cardiovascular inflammation, the precursor to atherosclerosis • Anti-inflammatory action by Cuprindo™ was comparable to that of Indomethacin, a highly potent anti-inflammatory with a poor safety profile • Cuprindo™ results from early safety trials together with the current efficacy results could mean that Cuprindo™ is as effective, but safer that Indomethacin • Further pre-clinical trials of Cuprindo™ are currently planned in chronic vascular conditions, such as atherosclerosis, to confirm efficacy and improved safety Sydney, 21 May 2007: Medical Therapies Limited (ASX: MTY), announced today that single dose application of its copper Indomethacin complex, Cuprindo™, has shown significant anti-inflammatory action that would likely prevent arterial plaque formation in rabbits. Inflammation is thought to be the precursor of plaque formation in the arteries, which often leads to serious cardiovascular conditions such as thrombosis and heart attack. Preventing vascular inflammation could be a highly effective, early stage preventative of cardiovascular disease. In addition, recent restrictions on the use of certain anti-inflammatory drugs with adverse side effects mean that there is a significant opportunity for a safe and effective anti-inflammatory treatment. Indomethacin has been one of the most effective oral anti-inflammatory drugs sold for over 40 years; however it is also associated with serious side effects such as stomach ulcerations. Medical Therapies’ Cuprindo™ is a metal complex of Indomethacin which, when compared with Indomethacin itself, has shown reduced side effects in previous animal experiments. The current rabbit trial carried out by Professor Philip Barter and his team at the Heart Research Institute in Sydney shows equivalent anti-inflammatory action to that of Indomethacin. Professor Barter stated that "the data provide supporting evidence of using Cuprindo™ in the treatment of acute vascular inflammation and provides the basis for additional trials in chronic conditions such as atherosclerosis”. “We are encouraged that, together with our early toxicity results, comparable efficacy means Cuprindo™ could be safer than Indomethacin but just as effective” said Maria Halasz, Chief Executive Officer of Medical Therapies. Trial design and results • The pre-clinical trial was conducted by Professor Philip Barter at the Heart Research Institute using an established rabbit collar model of acute cardiovascular inflammation. • The aim of the trial was to investigate anti-inflammatory action by Indomethacin like compounds, including Cuprindo™. • Negative (no collar) and positive (collar with no treatment) controls were used to establish base lines for the trial. • Single dose of Indomethacin (3mg/kg), Cuprindo™ (3mg/kg; 2mg/kg), zinc Indomethacin (3mg/kg; 2mg/kg) and Cu-ACM (copper-acemetacin) (3mg/kg) were applied for 24 hours. • Reduction of VCAM-1 and ICAM-1 markers was measured as an indication of anti-inflammatory action. • Compared with the positive control significant reduction of VCAM-1 and ICAM-1 levels was achieved by Cuprindo™ at 3mg/kg and 2mg/kg doses respectively. • Reduction of VCAM-1 and ICAM-1 levels by Cuprindo™ was similar to that of Indomethacin. About Medical Therapies Limited (ASX: MTY): Medical Therapies Limited is an Australian pharmaceutical development company committed to the commercialisation of its drug candidates for a range of antiinflammatory conditions. The Company’s patent-protected technologies originate from The University of Sydney and include a number of metal complexes of anti-inflammatory drugs showing increased safety and reduced toxicity in pre-clinical trials. For further information visit www.medicaltherapies.com.au or contact: Maria Halasz Chief Executive Officer T +61 2 9889 1222 M +61 416 008 413
MTY Price at posting:
0.0¢ Sentiment: Buy Disclosure: Held